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South African President Admits to Party’s Mistakes, Vows to Root Out Corruption

Jacob Zuma’s remarks come as scandal-plagued African National Congress begins to look for new leader ahead of 2019 election

Associated Press

Jan. 8, 2017 7:17 p.m. ET

SOWETO, South Africa—President Jacob Zuma said his ruling African National Congress has made mistakes and is determined to root out the corruption that is destroying the country’s democracy, as the party begins looking for a new leader before the next election in 2019.

Mr. Zuma tried to rally the ANC at its 105th anniversary celebration on Sunday after a year in which the party saw its worst election showing since taking power at the end of white-minority rule in 1994.